Deadly Discussions

On this episode of Deadly Discussions, I sit down with Renee Turner—an inspiring voice for change who’s making waves across culture, tourism, and storytelling. From her seafood adventures and the spiritual significance of Indigenous Welcomes to unveiling Australia’s hidden histories beyond 200 years, Renee brings fresh insights and passion to the mic.We dive into her work bridging cultures through bush medicine workshops, celebrating Western Australia’s best seafood and produce, and reshaping tourism to highlight cultural heritage. Plus, Renae shares her journey with astro tourism, the beauty of wildflowers, and how collaborative tourism in the Pilbara is unlocking new opportunities.

In this episode of Deadly Discussions, We sit down with Haydyn, a descendant of the Adnyamathanha, Yarluyandi, and Narungga peoples, with deep connections to the Flinders Ranges, Yorke Peninsula, Simpson Desert, and South-West Queensland.As a qualified teacher with over 30 years of experience, Haydyn shares his journey from education to founding Bookabee Australia in 2005, a pioneering business in Aboriginal Cultural Tourism and Consultancy.The conversation explores:Starting Your Own Business: Insights into transitioning from a teaching career to becoming a leader in cultural tourism.Preserving Culturally Significant Sites: Balancing tourism with the protection of sacred spaces and heritage.Ensuring Sustainability for Future Generations: How Indigenous knowledge can guide modern environmental practices.Recognised as the City of Adelaide’s 2021 Australia Day Citizen of the Year, Haydyn’s passion for cultural sensitivity, education, and environmental stewardship is both inspiring and educational.Tune in for an engaging discussion that blends business, culture, and sustainability for a brighter future.

In this episode of Deadly Discussions, we have two deadly guests: Sara and Jake. While their journeys are different, they share a common thread of overcoming challenges and staying grounded in their culture.Sara:Indigenous entrepreneur and founder of Australia’s largest female-owned commercial printing business.Grew up in the foster system and turned those challenges into the foundation for her success.Now thriving in industries like printing, fabrics, and pyjamas, she shares how resilience and creativity fueled her journey.Jake:Former AFL player and son of football legend Michael Long.Grew up balancing his father’s legacy with his own path in the AFL.Shares how his connection to Aboriginal culture grew over time and became a key part of his identity.Both Sara and Jake have faced significant life challenges, finding strength in unexpected places along the way. Sara’s entrepreneurial journey and Jake’s transition out of professional sports demonstrate that success is rarely a straight line. Their stories highlight the importance of embracing culture, as their Aboriginal heritage continues to shape and inspire their paths. Through life’s unpredictable twists, they share valuable lessons in adaptability, offering insights on staying grounded and moving forward, no matter the obstacles.

In this episode, we chat with Troy Benjamin, a self-made entrepreneur and proud Indigenous Man from Geelong. His journey began in 2010 with a small café in Melbourne. Troy went on to create Backup Barista, an online service connecting cafes with skilled baristas across Australia. Troy is also a huge personality and is an experienced MC and has a real go with the flow vibe.I’ve crossed paths with Troy a couple of times, so it’s awesome to finally get him on the pod to share his story.Now, Troy is the founder of Blak Brews, a 100% First Nations-owned business that blends premium teas with native ingredients to celebrate Indigenous culture. With a popular coffee truck and six unique tea blends, Blak Brews has made waves at festivals and events and won Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars.

Michael Morrissey, Electrician and owner of Melbourne Jerky. Handcrafted beef jerky which started here in Melbourne. Mike is a Gamilaroi (northern NSW) man from The Pines, Frankston.Notorious for many reasons, Mike unpacks growing up in that environment and never taking much notice.Business minded as a kid, Mike was always thinking of ways to get ahead. Combine that with a hard work ethic, a trade and becoming a young father and home owner. Mike’s responsibilities grew, as well as his passion for new ventures.This is a seriously encouraging listen. One thing I gained from listening to Mike, “setting your own boundaries of success” whatever that may be at this time of your life.Enjoy!

Model - Hairdresser - Frontman - Painter (trade) - Retail worker - Nurse Listen to find out how Josh turned all these experiences into the business he is today. The origins of Josh’s story begin with his Grandfather, a Palawa man moving from Tasmania to Queensland. Josh’s Grandfather, to remain under the radar, would often tell people he was eastern European as opposed to an Indigenous Australian and was quite private about culture. Josh’s father and uncles were and are very proud of their ancestral ties, which motivated connections with mob in Queensland. An accident befalls Dad at an early age and all Josh can really remember in those days is trauma, pain, domestic violence and moving around a lot. Josh would describe himself as a jack of all trades but unlike the cliché of being a master of none. Josh clearly displays authentic and rare artistic talent that has been shaped by life, love, and lost. This episode has jammed packed with goodies, nuggets of wisdom and some truly moving experiences.

Kevin grew up between Adelaide and a township called Murray Bridge. He remembers vividly the challenges he faced as a young Aboriginal man just going with the flow. During his teen years, he was faced with a choice between hanging out with the “brothers” which could lead to trouble or listen to the advice of his father and leave. Not knowing where to go, Kev headed back to his ancestor’s country to stay with his Nan. During this time, he was offered an opportunity (through a ranger’s program) to work with nurseries, which held a lot of Native Australian stock. Kev shares the moment he knew he was called to work with Indigenous plants. Kev also outlines some characters along the journey that mentored him into being the Indigenous plants expert. One of those, a retired chemist who just turned up one day. Today Kev is sought out by many Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australian farmers needing cultural expertise with native plants. Kev currently works with Outback Academy's Follow the Flowers initiative where they help other farmers in the Murray Darling Basin, and across the southern regions of Australia.

I sat down with David and Aunty Jeanette Crew to discuss their unique journey to owning their own farm in On Country. Aunty Jeanette, a Wemba Wemba woman, was forcibly relocated from the mission into town during her primary school years in the 60s. We discuss her take on first hand institutional racism. We also discuss what the economics were like for her family, who primarily worked in the shearing industry; and were paid at the same rates as their non-Aboriginal counterparts. After being “relocated”, the standard of living was drastically affected, but Aunty kept a passion for learning and a desire to do better. After studying and years working in public service, Aunty Jeanette decided it was time to return to Country. In the late 90s David and Jeanette purchased the Killara property in Deniliquin. They were the first to purchase land back on Country in their local area. So surprising that onlookers assumed they had been given the land by the government. More recently, Killara has joined in partnership with the Outback Academy’s program called Follow the Flowers, which works alongside the Government and private sector to fund Indigenous growers to maximise their growing capacities. With support from the Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program, David and Aunty Jeanette have the much needed industry experience for turning their plot of land into a sanctuary for bees, pollinating endemic native floral, fauna, and bush foods. They have named the farm Pandyil Farm in honour of the industrious Murray Cod.

What an inspiring episode this was! Alana Kennedy is a Waanyi Kalkatungu woman from North Queensland. Raised by her Non-Indigenous mother in Mt Isa. Alana understood there was something a little different with her family. Knowing her heritage without “knowing” it was something she grew accustomed to. Alana’s mother set the standard for work ethic and encouraged the kids to always have a try. With such an amazing example before her, Alana set out to find out more about her culture (oldest living) and the world around her.The visionary origins of Alana’s business Orche Sun began in MLM. After years of success, she gradually lost interest in pursuing a “better” life, simply cause. Alana craved something, but didn’t know what it was. Another factor leading to the brands inception was Alana’s clients who were mainly women complained their husbands stole their products. The Husbands excuse, “well men’s products aren’t as good”.Fast forward to today. Alana has combined her passion for cosmetics, her love for native botanicals and care for community into the brand known as Orche Sun. Come and listen.

Dunghutti Man, Mervyn Fernando joins me on the podcast. Mervyn grew up in Kempsey NSW. After losing his mother at a young age, Mervyn was raised by his father. Growing up as a young Koori boy On Country Mervyn faced the typical obstacles facing our young men. Which not much work around and lots of reasons to get in trouble. Brother boy Mervyn took a random chance at a job on the other side of the Country, far away from Dunghutti culture and lore. From cleaning oil rig pipes to harvesting sandalwood in the Simpson Desert. Mervyn’s journey has certainly not been a straight path. Today Mervyn is a young dad with two successful growing brands, Claystone Marketing and Indigenous Medical Supplies, he is a NFP board member and active community member.Come, sit and listen to the story of Mervyn Fernando, Indigenous entrepreneur.

Brain Joyce a Papua New Guinean man with a passion for environmental change joins me on the Deadly Discussions Podcast.Growing up in the islands Brain emigrated to Australia during his school years. Landing in coastal Queensland, Brian and his siblings quickly realised that they went from being the majority "On Country" to the minority on somebody else's land.A part-time model, E-Commerce maestro, Fashionista(sorry mate had to put that in), combined with a proven background in businesses has afforded Brian many amazing opportunities throughout his life.As he shares on the podcast, life as an entrepreneur can be a wild ride. The key to longevity is to know when to jump off the roller coaster every now and then.Brian unpacks why it is so important to get back to your roots to reset your mind, body and soul.

Founder of Our Songlines and Our Dilly Bag Kayla Cartledge manages to spare some time for the Deadly Discussions Podcast. With a passion for change and justice for First Nations people, you will find Kayla on the front line in her community gracefully challenging the haunting narratives of Terra Nullis. When not working on her businesses Kayla also works in the corporate space bringing her passion for change to the establishments with a role at Kinaway the Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy! *NOTE The quality of the audio is not up to the standard that I usually desire, please bear through it though, there is some seriously good content here.*